Last month, the Sandy City Fire Department invited members of the City Council, as well as a few staff members, to come get a taste of what it's like to be a firefighter. Over the course of a beautiful Saturday morning, the group went through multiple training exercises designed to give them a better understanding and appreciation for how the Department keeps residents safe every day.
The event took place at the Department's training facility, located near the new Public Works building. After splitting up into two groups, the trainees got to work. First up: vehicle extrication.
"My favorite part was the vehicle extrication drill. Getting to see first-hand what the crews need in a situation like that was enlightening," said Council member Zach Robinson. "Plus, it's fun to tear up a vehicle!"
The trainees had a chance to get a bird's eye view of the valley from the top of one of the department's fire truck ladders.
"My favorite part was spending time with the Sandy Fire personnel and getting to know them better. There's no substitute for getting to know your coworkers and associates personally and this was a great opportunity to have personal conversations and interactions." - Council member Cyndi Sharkey pictured here (center)
After a quick hydration break, it was time to move on to the next two activities: a medical emergency simulation and a live fire exercise.
"My favorite part was experiencing a glimpse into what it was like to be a firefighter paramedic for a few hours. It was very humbling to say the least. I am even more appreciative and grateful to know that the men and women who respond to our residents in their most difficult times are the highly trained professionals that are the Sandy City Fire Department." - Council member Brooke D'Sousa
"I've always appreciated the sense of security the Sandy Fire Department has offered, but from a more simplistic perspective. Learning about all of the types of tools each firefighter needs to be an expert with, the demands necessary for each member to remain clam and collected in an emergency, and the sheer strength needed to render aid in an emergency, brought a much greater amount of respect to the men and women that are all willing to run into a burning building to rescue someone in need." - Council member Allison Stroud
Last of all, the council members and city staff participants had the chance to go face to face with a real fire. Well, a real controlled fire.
First though, you have to get ready.
"I think that it is important for the council to see first-hand how labor intensive it is to do certain aspects of our job. I believe that this is vital for them to understand when it comes to making decisions related to additional staffing requests." - Deputy Fire Chief Ryan McConaghie
Inside they were met with real flames bursting from a makeshift kitchen. They learned how to locate the source of the fire and how to spray it down.
"My favorite part was being in the burn room. Feeling the intensity of the heat, even through the turnouts, was incredible. But watching the flames dance across the ceiling an having a first-hand account of how quickly flames can spread was more humbling than anticipated." - Council member Allison Stroud
A few more City Council takeaways...
"One thing I learned is that many of the parts of the job (for firefighters) is very resource intensive. The biggest takeaway for me was knowing that our staffing levels have a direct correlation with the ability for the firefighters to do their job efficiently. The day highlighted the importance of adequate staffing levels for the department, so the community remains safe and protected." - Council member Zach Robinson
"I learned that our fire and EMS personnel are incredibly tough but they're also softies at heart. They're caring and concerned and I hadn't fully appreciated how much value those traits have in our first responders. We're a cut above in Sandy and now I can more fully appreciate why." - Council member Cyndi Sharkey
And how did they do?
"I think that they did awesome! I loved seeing the council members and the fire department working together. It was fun seeing the excitement of the council members to try new things," said Deputy Fire Chief Ryan McConaghie.
All-in-all, Fire Ops 101 was a fantastic way to spend a Saturday morning, as city council members and city staff got a tiny taste of what it's like to be a Sandy City firefighter.